Conveying apparatus and conveying ribbon

ABSTRACT

A conveying apparatus can comprise one or more support members defining an interior passage and a first plurality of apertures. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a first end portion of a support area can be greater than a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage at a second end portion of the support area. A tube can extend within the interior passage and comprises a second plurality of apertures. Methods are also provided for conveying a ribbon with one or more support members.

This application is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/US2019/064201, filed on Dec. 3,2019, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/778,982 filed on Dec. 13, 2018, thecontents of both of which are relied upon and incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to conveying apparatus andmethods and, more particularly, to conveying apparatus and methods forconveying ribbon.

BACKGROUND

It is known to horizontally convey a ribbon within a viscoelastic rangewith a plurality of rollers or static support bars. However, the rollersand static support bars may not be able to support the ribbon tomaintain a substantially flat major surface of the ribbon while theribbon cools to a glass ribbon in the elastic state. Consequently,undesirable features may be present in the resultant cooled glass ribbonthat may have been avoided if the ribbon was maintained substantiallyflat during cooling. Still further, in some applications, there may be adesire to increase ribbon cooling during horizontal conveyance. However,the rollers or static support bars may not provide for cooling theribbon at a desired cooling rate. Furthermore, use of rollers or staticsupport bars may produce unwanted debris as the material of the rollersor static support bars deteriorate over time and requires frequentreplacement of the rollers or static support bars and cleaning of thesurrounding area.

It is also known to horizontally support ribbon with an air cushionpositioned between the ribbon and a support to support a weight of theribbon. However, such supports may not allow for quick escape of airwithin the central regions of the support, thereby causing a bulgingeffect in the ribbon as the gas accumulates in the gas cushion. Thebulging effect frustrates the desire to maintain the ribbon with asubstantially flat major surface during cooling into the glass ribbon.Furthermore, the accumulation of gas within the gas cushion may causethe average temperature of the gas cushion to increase, therebyinterfering with efficient cooling of the ribbon by way of convectiveheat transfer. Furthermore, typical supports designed to produce an aircushion may not consider providing a consistent flow rate through theapertures along the support surface, thereby frustrating the purpose tomaintain the substantially flat major surface during cooling into theglass ribbon.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to providea basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detaileddescription.

In some embodiments, a conveying apparatus can comprise one or moresupport members comprising an interior surface defining an interiorpassage and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with theinterior passage and extending through a support surface of the supportmember. Openings of the plurality of apertures at the support surfacecan define a support area of the support surface. The support area cancomprise a length with a direction of the length extending along a flowpath of the interior passage. The support area can further comprise awidth extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of thelength. The length can be greater than the width. An inlet port can bepositioned to direct a gas stream along the flow path of the interiorpassage. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passage along afirst plane perpendicular to the direction of the length at a first endportion of the support area closest to the inlet port can be greaterthan a second cross-sectional area of the interior passage along asecond plane perpendicular to the direction of the length at a secondend portion of the support area farthest from the inlet port.

In some embodiments, cross-sectional areas of the interior passage alongcorresponding planes perpendicular to the direction of the length cansequentially decrease along the direction of the length from the firstcross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional areas can sequentially decreaseat a constant rate.

In some embodiments, a first contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the first cross-sectional area may be geometricallydifferent than a second contour of the interior surface circumscribingthe second cross-sectional area.

In some embodiments, the first contour can comprise a first trapezoidalshape and the second contour can comprise a second trapezoidal shape.

In some embodiments, the first trapezoidal shape can comprise aparallelogram and the second trapezoidal shape can comprise an acutetrapezoid.

In some embodiments, a first contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the first cross-sectional area can comprise a firsttrapezoidal shape and a second contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the second cross-sectional area can comprise a secondtrapezoidal shape.

In some embodiments, the first trapezoidal shape can comprise aparallelogram and the second trapezoidal shape can comprise an acutetrapezoid.

In some embodiments, a width of a segment of the interior surface alongthe direction of the width of the support area can be substantially thesame along the length of the support area.

In some embodiments, the width of the support area can be from about 10millimeters to about 100 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the support area can comprise a convex surfacepositioned radially about an axis extending along the direction of thelength of the support area, and a contour of the convex surface along aplane perpendicular to the axis can extend along a radius in the planeperpendicular to the axis.

In some embodiments, the radius can be within a range of about 25millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the contour of the convex surface can extend alongan arc of a circle.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can comprise a pairof adjacent support members comprising a first support member and asecond support member. The support area of the first support member canbe spaced from the support area of the second support member by aminimum distance of about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, a conveying apparatus can comprise one or moresupport members comprising an interior surface defining an interiorpassage and a first plurality of apertures in fluid communication withthe interior passage and extending through a support surface of thesupport member. Openings of the first plurality of apertures at thesupport surface can define a support area of the support surface, thesupport area can comprise a length and a direction of the length canextend along a flow path of the interior passage. The support area canfurther comprise a width extending in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of the length. The length can be greater than the width. Atube can extend within the interior passage of the one or more supportmembers. The tube can comprise a second plurality of apertures spacedalong a flow direction of a flow path of the tube.

In some embodiments, a dimension of second plurality of apertures cansequentially decrease along the flow direction of the flow path of thetube.

In some embodiments, a spacing between adjacent apertures of the secondplurality of apertures can sequentially increase along the flowdirection of the flow path of the tube.

In some embodiments, the width of the support area can be from about 10millimeters to about 100 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the support area can comprise a convex surfacepositioned radially about an axis extending along the direction of thelength of the support area. A contour of the convex surface along aplane perpendicular to the axis can extend along a radius in the planeperpendicular to the axis.

In some embodiments, the radius can be within a range of about 25millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the contour of the convex surface can extend alongan arc of a circle.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can comprise a pairof adjacent support members comprising a first support member and asecond support member. The support area of the first support member cambe spaced from the support area of the second support member by aminimum distance of about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, a conveying apparatus can comprise one or moresupport members comprising an interior surface defining an interiorpassage and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with theinterior passage and extending through a support surface of the supportmember. Openings of the plurality of apertures at the support surfacecan define a support area of the support surface. The support area cancomprise a length with a direction of the length extending along a flowpath of the interior passage. The support area can further comprise awidth extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of thelength. The width of the support area can be from about 10 millimetersto about 100 millimeters. The length can be greater than the width. Thesupport area can comprise a convex surface positioned radially about anaxis extending along the direction of the length of the support area. Acontour of the convex surface along a plane perpendicular to the axiscan extend along a radius in the plane perpendicular to the axis withina range of about 25 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the contour of the convex surface can extend alongan arc of a circle.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can comprise a pairof adjacent support members comprising a first support member and asecond support member. The support area of the first support member canbe spaced from the support area of the second support member by aminimum distance of about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, methods can be provided for conveying a ribbon ofmaterial comprising a viscosity within a range of about 1×10⁶ poise toabout 1×10¹⁰ poise with the conveying apparatus of any of theembodiments set forth above. The methods can comprise moving the ribbonof material comprising the viscosity within the range of about 1×10⁶poise to about 1×10¹⁰ poise along a travel path in a path direction. Thepath direction may not be coincident with the direction of gravity. Thepath direction may extend across the direction of the length of eachsupport area of the one or more support members. The methods can furthercomprise passing gas through the plurality of apertures from theinterior passage of the one or more support members to provide acorresponding gas cushion between the moving ribbon of material and eachsupport area of the one or more support members.

In some embodiments, the conveying apparatus can reduce the temperatureof the moving ribbon of material by a total temperature reduction withina range of about 100° C. to about 150° C.

In some embodiments, a major surface of the moving ribbon of materialsupported by the one or more support members can comprise a flatness of100 microns or less.

In some embodiments, the path direction can extend substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of the length of each support area of theone or more support members.

In some embodiments, the path direction can be substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of gravity.

In some embodiments, methods can be provided for conveying a ribbon ofmaterial comprising a viscosity within a range of about 1×10⁶ poise toabout 1×10¹⁰ poise with one or more support members. Each support memberof the one or more support members can comprise a support surface and aninterior surface defining an interior passage and a first plurality ofapertures in fluid communication with the interior passage and extendingthrough the support surface. Openings of the first plurality ofapertures at the support surface can define a support area of thesupport surface. The support area can comprise a length and a directionof the length can extend along a flow path of the interior passage Thesupport area can further comprise a width extending in a directionperpendicular to the direction of the length and the length can begreater than the width. The methods can comprise moving the ribbon ofmaterial comprising the viscosity within the range of about 1×10⁶ poiseto about 1×10¹⁰ poise along a travel path in a path direction. The pathdirection may not be coincident with the direction of gravity. The pathdirection can extend across the direction of the length of each supportarea of the one or more support members. The methods can furthercomprise passing gas through the first plurality of apertures from theinterior passage of the one or more support members to provide a gascushion between the moving ribbon of material and each support area ofthe one or more support members.

In some embodiments, the methods for conveying can reduce thetemperature of the moving ribbon of material by a total temperaturereduction within a range of about 100° C. to about 150° C.

In some embodiments, a major surface of the moving ribbon of materialsupported by the one or more support members can comprise a flatness of100 microns or less.

In some embodiments, the path direction can extend substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of the length of each support area of theone or more support members.

In some embodiments, the path direction can be substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of gravity.

In some embodiments, the methods can further comprise directing a gasstream along the flow path of the interior passage of the one or moresupport members. A first cross-sectional area of the interior passagealong a first plane perpendicular to the direction of the length at anupstream location of the flow path can be greater than a secondcross-sectional area of the interior passage along a second planeperpendicular to the direction of the length at a downstream location ofthe flow path.

In some embodiments, cross-sectional areas of the interior passage alongcorresponding planes perpendicular to the direction of the length cansequentially decrease along the direction of the length from the firstcross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional areas can sequentially decreaseat a constant rate.

In some embodiments, a first contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the first cross-sectional area may be geometricallydifferent than a second contour of the interior surface circumscribingthe second cross-sectional area.

In some embodiments, the first contour can comprise a first trapezoidalshape and the second contour can comprise a second trapezoidal shape.

In some embodiments, the first trapezoidal shape can comprise aparallelogram and the second trapezoidal shape can comprise an acutetrapezoid.

In some embodiments, a first contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the first cross-sectional area can comprise a firsttrapezoidal shape and a second contour of the interior surfacecircumscribing the second cross-sectional area can comprise a secondtrapezoidal shape.

In some embodiments, the first trapezoidal shape can comprise aparallelogram and the second trapezoidal shape can comprise an acutetrapezoid.

In some embodiments, a width of a segment of the interior surface alongthe direction of the width of the support area can be substantially thesame along the length of the support area.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can furthercomprise a tube extending within the interior passage of the one or moresupport members. The tube can comprise a second plurality of aperturesspaced along a flow direction of a flow path of the tube. The gas cantravel along the flow path of the tube and then pass through the secondplurality of apertures into the interior passage of the one or moresupport members to then pass through the first plurality of aperturesfrom the interior passage of the one or more support members.

In some embodiments, a dimension of second plurality of apertures cansequentially decrease along the flow direction of the flow path of thetube.

In some embodiments, a spacing between adjacent apertures of the secondplurality of apertures can sequentially increase along the flowdirection of the flow path of the tube.

In some embodiments, the width of the support area can be from about 10millimeters to about 100 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the support area can comprise a convex surfacepositioned radially about an axis extending along the direction of thelength of the support area. A contour of the convex surface along aplane perpendicular to the axis can extend along a radius in the planeperpendicular to the axis.

In some embodiments, the radius can be within a range of about 25millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the contour of the convex surface can extend alongan arc of a circle.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can comprise a pairof adjacent support members comprising a first support member and asecond support member. The support area of the first support member canbe spaced from the support area of the second support member by aminimum distance of about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the width of the support area can be from about 10millimeters to about 100 millimeters. The support area can comprise aconvex surface positioned radially about an axis extending along thedirection of the length of the support area. A contour of the convexsurface along a plane perpendicular to the axis can extend along aradius in the plane perpendicular to the axis within a range of about 25millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the contour of the convex surface can extend alongan arc of a circle.

In some embodiments, the one or more support members can comprise a pairof adjacent support members comprising a first support member and asecond support member. The support area of the first support member canbe spaced from the support area of the second support member by aminimum distance of about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed hereinwill be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in partwill be clear to those skilled in the art from that description orrecognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including thedetailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appendeddrawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description present embodimentsintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. Theaccompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, andare incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and togetherwith the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are better understoodwhen the following detailed description is read with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a glass manufacturingapparatus comprising an example embodiment of conveying apparatus inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the conveying apparatus along line2-2 of FIG. 1 wherein the ribbon is shown in hidden lines;

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of an example embodiment of asupport member along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a tube of the support memberof FIG. 3 viewed along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of a tube of the supportmember of FIG. 3 viewed along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates still another example embodiment of a tube of thesupport member of FIG. 3 viewed along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 in FIGS. 2 and 3 of thecorresponding embodiment of the support member illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 7-7 in FIGS. 2 and 3 of anothercorresponding embodiment of the support member illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3;

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of a pair of adjacentsupport members taken at view 9 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of another example embodiment of asupport member along line 10-10 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the support member of FIG. 10 along line11-11 of FIGS. 2 and 10; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the support member of FIG. 10 along line12-12 of FIGS. 2 and 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments are shown.Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosuremay be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a glass manufacturing apparatus 101comprising a forming apparatus 103 and a conveying apparatus 105. In theillustrated embodiment, the conveying apparatus 105 can be part of theglass manufacturing apparatus 101 wherein the conveying apparatus may beprovided inline with a forming apparatus 103 that forms a ribbon 107from a quantity of molten material 109. When provided inline as part ofthe glass manufacturing apparatus 101, the conveying apparatus 105 canbe designed to horizontally or diagonally support the ribbon 107 priorto separation after it is formed with the forming apparatus 103. Forinstance, the ribbon can extend along a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of gravity 108 such that the ribbonextends horizontally as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the ribbon 107can extend along a direction that may not be coincident to the directionof gravity 108. In some embodiments, the ribbon can extend at a non-zeroangle relative to the direction of gravity 108 such that the ribbon maybe supported diagonally or perpendicular relative to the direction ofgravity 108. For purposes of this application, the direction of gravitycomprises the resultant vector of the direction of gravity 108 asopposed to a vector component of the resultant vector direction ofgravity 108.

Although not shown, the conveying apparatus 105 may be provided as astand-alone apparatus that may not be associated with a formingapparatus. For example, the ribbon 107 can comprise a separated ribbonthat can be horizontally or diagonally supported by the conveyingapparatus 105 during a subsequent procedure. For instance,previously-formed glass ribbon may be unpackaged from a storage package,unrolled from a roll of glass ribbon or otherwise introduced to theconveying apparatus 105 for a subsequent processing procedure and/or fortransporting the glass ribbon from one location to another.

The forming apparatus of the disclosure can comprise an updraw, downdraw(e.g., fusion downdraw), slot draw, or other forming apparatus. By wayof illustration, FIG. 1 illustrates the forming apparatus 103 as a pressroll apparatus wherein the quantity of molten material 109 can passthrough a gap defined between a pair of rotating rolls 111. The rotatingrolls 111 forms the ribbon 107 from the quantity of molten material 109that comprises a thickness 113 corresponding to the gap between therotating rolls 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation axes 112a, 112 b of the corresponding rotating rolls 111 can be parallelrelative to one another to provide the ribbon 107 with a substantiallyconstant the thickness 113 across the width 201 (see FIG. 2) of theribbon 107. In some embodiments, the thickness 113 can be from about 700microns to about 6 millimeters although other thicknesses may beprovided in further embodiments.

In some embodiments, the width 201 of the ribbon 107 can be greater thanor equal to about 100 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 500mm, for example greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, for examplegreater than or equal to about 2000 mm, for example greater than orequal to about 3000 mm, for example greater than or equal to about 4000mm, although other widths less than or greater than the widths mentionedabove can be provided in further embodiments. For example, in someembodiments, the width 201 of the ribbon 107 can be from about 100 mm toabout 4000 mm, for example from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, forexample from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 2000mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm,for example from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 1000 mm to about 3000mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example fromabout 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subrangestherebetween.

Conveying apparatus of the disclosure can comprise one or more supportmembers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveying apparatus 105can comprise one or more support members comprising a plurality ofsupport members 115 a-f. In the illustrated embodiment, six supportmembers 115 a-f are illustrated although more or less than six supportmembers may be provided in further embodiments. As shown, one or moregas supply lines 117 may provide fluid communication between a gassource 119 and the support members 115 a-f. The gas source 119 can bedesigned to provide nitrogen, air or other gas depending on theparticular application. Although not shown, in some embodiments, one ormore gas manifolds and/or controllers may be designed to regulate theamount of gas supplied to each corresponding support member 115 to allowcustomized adjustment of the support characteristics of each individualsupport member 115 a-f, all of the support members 115 a-fsimultaneously, and/or one or more subsets of the support members 115a-f.

As shown schematically by the cross-section of the support member 115 cin FIG. 1, any or all of the one or more support members 115 a-f cancomprise an interior surface 121 defining an interior passage 123 and aplurality of apertures 125 in fluid communication with the interiorpassage 123 and extending through a support surface 127 of the supportmember 115 a-f. For instance, as shown, an aperture 125 can comprise asingle channel 131 comprising a single first opening 133 at the interiorsurface 121 and a single opposed second opening 135 at the supportsurface 127. With such a configuration, pressurized gas can pass throughthe single first opening 133 from the interior passage 123, through thesingle channel 131, and out the second opening 135 at the supportsurface 127 to form a gas cushion 129 between the support member and afirst major surface 130 of the ribbon 107.

Although not shown, a wide range of alternative aperture configurationsmay be used in combination or alternatively to the apertures 125illustrated in the figures. For instance, the apertures 125 can comprisebranched apertures with a plurality of openings at the support surface127 and/or the interior surface. For instance, although not shown, theapertures can be branched such that the apertures begins with a singleopening at the interior surface 121 with a single channel branching intoa plurality of channels that include a corresponding opening of aplurality of openings at the support surface 127. In furtherembodiments, as shown, the channel 131 of the aperture 125 can comprisea constant cross-sectional area extending from the first opening 133 atthe interior surface 121 to the second opening 135 at the supportsurface 127. Although not shown, in alternative embodiments, theaperture 125 can comprise cross-sectional areas that are not constantalong the length of the channel. For instance, a cross sectional area ofthe channel can increase (e.g., a stepped increase) or decrease (e.g., astepped decrease) in a direction from the first opening 133 to thesecond opening 135. In still further embodiments, an insert may beplaced within the channel. In some embodiments, if provided, the insertcan include one or more openings and/or can comprise a porous materialthat can pass pressurized gas through the porous material. As shown inFIG. 9, the second openings 135 can comprise circular orifices althoughother shapes may be provided in further embodiments. Still further, theopenings may comprise a torus channel to provide a ring-shaped fluidstream exiting the opening.

The support surface 127 can comprise one or more of a convex surface,flat surface, concave surface and/or other surface configuration. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7, a contour 709 of a convex support surface127 may be defined along a plane perpendicular to an axis 207 extendingalong a direction 203 of a length 205 of a support area 209 of thesupport surface 127. As shown in FIG. 7, the contour (e.g., 709) of thesupport surface 127 of any of the embodiments of the disclosure canextend along a varying radius 707 in the plane perpendicular to theaxis. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a contour 805 of the convexsupport surface 127 may be defined along a plane perpendicular to theaxis 207 of the support area 209 extending along the direction 203 ofthe length 205 of the support area 209. The contour (e.g., contour 805)of any of the embodiments of the disclosure can extend along asubstantially constant radius 803 in the plane perpendicular to the axis207 such that the contour 805 of the convex surface extends along an arcof a circle. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the support area 209 cancomprise a convex surface positioned radially about the axis 207extending along the direction 203 of the length 205 of the support area209. In some embodiments, the entire support area 209 can comprise aconvex surface although portions of the support area may comprise a flatsurface and/or a concave surface in further embodiments. As mentionedpreviously, embodiments of convex surface of the support area 209 cancomprise a varying radius 707 (e.g., see FIG. 7) or a constant radius803 (e.g., FIG. 8). In any of the embodiments of the disclosure, thecontour 709, 805 of the convex surface along the plane perpendicular tothe axis 207 can extend along a radius 707, 803 in the planeperpendicular to the axis 207 within a range of about 25 millimeters(mm) to about 500 mm although the radius can be less than about 25 mmand/or greater than about 500 mm in further embodiments. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the entire support area 209 may include a convexsurface extending along the radius within the range of about 25 mm toabout 500 mm although portions of the convex surface may comprise aradius greater than 500 mm and/or portions of the convex surface may beless than 25 mm. For example, the radius of the convex surface mayapproach infinity as the surface transitions to a flat surface at acentral portion of the support area 209. In further embodiments, theradius may be much tighter at a leading end 703 or a trailing end 705(e.g., 5-10 mm) of the support area 209 to avoid contact of the leadingend and/or trailing end in embodiments where the ribbon 107 may beslightly sag between adjacent support members.

Characteristics of the one or more apertures 125 may be designed toaccommodate the convex surface or other surface profile of the supportarea 209 discussed above. As can be shown in FIG. 7, the channel 131 ofone or more apertures 125 of the plurality of apertures may extend alongan axis that is included in a plane 701 including the direction of theaxis 207 and perpendicular to a path direction 137 of a travel path 139of the ribbon 107. As shown in FIG. 7, the leading end 703 and/ortrailing end 705 may be provided with a tighter radius to avoidinterference at those locations with the ribbon 107 that may slightlysag as a catenary curve between adjacent support members due to the lackof apertures at the leading end and trailing end. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 8, the channel 131 of one or more apertures 125 may extendalong an axis that is included in a plane 801 a, 801 b including thedirection of the axis 207 but not perpendicular to the path direction137 of the travel path 139 of the ribbon 107. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the plane 801 a of one or more apertures 125 extending throughthe leading end 807 may extend at an angle relative to the pathdirection 137 of the travel path with a directional vector componentopposite to the vector direction of the path direction 137 of the travelpath 139. As further illustrated, a plane 801 b of one or more apertures125 extending through the trailing end 809 may extend at an anglerelative to the path direction 137 of the travel path with a directionalvector component that may be coincident with the vector direction of thepath direction 137 of the travel path 139. As shown in FIG. 8, providingapertures that are not perpendicular and not coincident with the pathdirection 137 can help provide support even at the leading end 807and/or trailing end 809 with apertures that may not otherwise be able tocommunicate with the interior passage 123 due to sidewalls 811, 813 ofthe support member. In some embodiments, a tight radius may not beneeded at the leading end 807 and/or trailing end 809 since the ribbon107 can be further supported by the gas cushion associated with theapertures 125 at these locations.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second openings 135 at the support surface 127can define a support area 209 of the support surface 127. The supportarea 209 is considered, for purposes of this disclosure, as the areabound by an outer periphery 211 of the support area 209 touching theoutermost point of the opening of each outer aperture of the pluralityof apertures. For instance, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer periphery 211can comprise linear segments 211 a, 211 b touching the outermost tangentpoint of each second opening 135 of the outermost columns 901 a, 901 bof openings of the plurality of openings when the plurality of openingscomprises a matrix of openings aligned along rows and columns. Likewise,as shown in FIG. 2, the outer periphery 211 of the support area 209 canbe comprise linear segments 211 c, 211 d touching the outermost tangentpoint of each second opening 135 of the outermost rows 213 a, 213 b.

The support area can further comprise a width 903 extending in adirection perpendicular to the direction 203 of the length 205 of thesupport area 209. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the width 903of the support area 209 can extend in the path direction 137 of thetravel path 139 of the ribbon 107. The width 903 of the support area 209in accordance with any of the embodiments of the disclosure can be fromabout 10 millimeters (mm) to about 100 mm, from about 10 mm to about 50mm, or from about 10 mm to about 40 mm. In further embodiments, thewidth 903 can be less than about 10 mm or greater than about 100 mm.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the length 205 of the support area 209of some embodiments of the disclosure can be greater than the width 903of the support area 209. As shown by the support members 115 a-c, any orall of the support members may include a length 205 of the support area209 that is greater than or equal to the width 201 of the ribbon 107.Providing a length 205 that is greater than or equal to the width 201 ofthe ribbon 107 can provide uniform support pressure by the gas cushionacross the width of the ribbon 107, thereby avoiding undesired bowing ofthe ribbon along the width of the ribbon 107. In alternativeembodiments, as shown by the support members 115 d-f, any or all of thesupport members may include a length 205 of the support area 209 of thesupport members that is less than the width 201 of the support member.For instance, at corresponding locations along the travel path 139, aplurality of support members may be spaced apart along the width 201 ofthe ribbon 107. In some embodiments, the plurality of support membersmay be spaced close enough together to avoid substantial bowing due tounsupported areas along the width of the ribbon. Still further, in someembodiments, as shown, adjacent sets of support members spaced alonglocations of the travel path can be staggered relative to one another.For example, the set of support members 115 e can be staggered along thewidth of the ribbon 107 relative to the set of support members 115 d.Similarly, the set of support members 115 f may be staggered along thewidth of the ribbon 107 relative to the set of support members 1153.Staggering the sets of adjacent support members can provide enhancedeffective support across the width 201 of the ribbon 107 to furtheravoid bowing of the ribbon 107 across the width 201 of the ribbon 107.

The support members of the disclosure can comprise corresponding pairsof support members. For instance, FIG. 2 illustrates many pairs ofadjacent support members (e.g., 115 a-b, 115 b-c, 115 c-d, 115 d-e, 115e-f). For purposes of discussion, FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view ofportions of the pair of adjacent support members 115 b-c shown in FIG.8. The pair of adjacent support members 115 b-c comprises a firstsupport member 115 b and a second support member 115 c. The support area209 of the first support member 115 b can be spaced from the supportarea 209 of the second support member 115 c by a minimum distance 905 ofabout 50 millimeters (mm) to about 500 mm. In some or all of theembodiments of the disclosure, the minimum distance can be less thanabout 50 mm or greater than about 500 mm. For purposes of thisapplication, a minimum distance between adjacent support members meansthe shortest distance between the periphery of the support area of thefirst support member from the periphery of the support area of thesecond support member. For instance, with reference to FIG. 9, thelinear segment 211 b of the outer periphery 211 of the support area 209of the first support member 115 b may be parallel to the linear segment211 a of the outer periphery 211 of the support area 209 of the secondsupport member 115 b. The minimum distance 905 comprises the distancebetween the parallel linear segments of the corresponding outerperiphery 211 of the support area of the first support member 115 b andthe support area of the second support member 115 c. In someembodiments, providing a minimum distance 905 of about 50 mm to about500 mm can provide a minimum distance of about 50 mm that can avoidbulging of the ribbon 107 to facilitate maintenance of the flat surfaceof the major surfaces of the ribbon during cooling. Indeed, a minimumdistance of about 50 mm can allow escape of gas cycling through the gascushion 129 to prevent accumulation of gas that may undesirably resultin bulging of the ribbon. At the same time, maintaining the minimumdistance within 500 mm can also avoid undesirable sagging of the ribbon107 between the support members that may otherwise interfere withmaintenance of the flat surface of the major surfaces of the ribbonduring cooling.

As shown in FIG. 2, the direction 203 of the length 205 can extendsubstantially perpendicular to the path direction 137 of the travel path139 of the ribbon. Providing the length 205 in the direction 203substantially perpendicular to the path direction 137 can minimize thelength of support for preventing bowing of the ribbon in the directionof the width 201 of the ribbon 107. Furthermore, providing the direction203 of the length 205 to extend substantially perpendicular to the pathdirection 137 of the travel path 139 of the ribbon 107 can help avoidany tension imbalance across the width 201 of the ribbon 107 that mayotherwise occur by positioning the length of the support area at otherangles relative to the path direction.

The support member 115 a of FIGS. 1-8 comprises support members inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Theconfigurations of the support member 115 a shown in FIGS. 3-8 can alsobe incorporated in any one or all of the support members 115 a-f. FIG. 3illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support member 115 a alongline 3-3 of FIG. 2 along a plane extending along the axis 207 of thesupport member 115 a in the direction 203 of the length 205 of thesupport member 115 a. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 115 acomprises the interior surface 121 defining the interior passage 123 anda first plurality of apertures 125 in fluid communication with theinterior passage 123 and extending through the support surface 127 ofthe support member 115 a. The second openings 135 of the first pluralityof apertures 125 at the support surface 127 define the support area 209of the support surface 127. The support area 209 can comprise the length205. The direction 203 of the length can extend along the flow path ofthe interior passage 123. The flow path of any of the embodiments of thedisclosure can comprise the axis 207 of the support member. The supportarea 209 further comprises the width 903 that extends in the directionperpendicular to the direction 203 of the length 205, wherein the length205 can be greater than the width 903.

As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 115 a can comprise a tube 301extending within the interior passage 123. The tube 301 can comprise asecond plurality of apertures 303 spaced along a flow direction 305 of aflow path of the tube 301. In some embodiments, as shown, the flow pathcan comprise the axis 207 of the support member 115 a. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the flow direction 305 of the flow path of the tube301 can comprise the direction 203 of the length of the support area 209in some embodiments.

The support member 115 a can comprise an inlet port 307 that maycomprise a portion of the tube 301 upstream from the first aperture ofthe second plurality of apertures 303 encountered along the flowdirection 305. In further embodiments, the inlet port 307 may comprise acoupling or other feature other than the tube 301 that may be connectedto the tube 301. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 115 a mayinclude a single inlet port 307. In some embodiments, the tube 301 cancomprise a first end comprising an inlet end comprising the inlet port307 and a capped end 309 at the opposite end of the tube. In theillustrated embodiment, a single inlet port 307 may be provided.Although not shown, further embodiments may include multiple inletports. For example, the capped end 309 may comprise a second inlet portin further embodiments and/or an intermediate inlet port may be providedat a location between the inlet end and the opposite end of the tube.

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the tube 301 of any of the embodiments of thedisclosure may provide the second plurality of apertures 303 as adjacentpairs of apertures that are equally spaced from one another by a commondistance 401. Alternatively, any of the embodiments of the disclosuremay provide the plurality of apertures with two pairs of adjacentapertures spaced by a different distance from one another. For instance,as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of apertures include a pair ofadjacent apertures 303 spaced a first distance 601 from one another andanother pair of adjacent apertures 303 spaced a second distance 603 fromone another. As shown in FIG. 6, the spacing between adjacent aperturesof the second plurality of apertures sequentially increase along theflow direction 305 of the flow path of the tube 301 from the firstdistance 601 to the second distance 603 that is greater than the firstdistance 601.

In some embodiments, a maximum dimension of apertures of the secondplurality of apertures 303 can be substantially the same. For instance,with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the maximum dimension comprises adiameter 403 of the apertures 303 that are all substantially the samediameter. Alternatively, a maximum dimension of one aperture may bedifferent than a maximum dimension of another aperture of the secondplurality of apertures 303. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, a diameter501 of an upstream aperture may be different than (e.g., greater than) adiameter 503 of a downstream aperture. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5, the maximum dimension (e.g., diameter) of the second pluralityof apertures 303 sequentially decrease along the flow direction 305 ofthe flow path of the tube 301 from an upstream aperture 125 includingthe diameter 501 to the downstream aperture 125 including the diameter503 that is less than the diameter 501 of the upstream aperture 125.

The support member 115 b of FIGS. 1, 2 and 10-12 comprises supportmembers in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. Theconfigurations of the support member 115 b shown in FIGS. 10-12 can alsobe incorporated in any one or all of the support members 115 a and 115c-f. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support member115 b along line 10-10 of FIG. 2 along a plane extending along the axis207 of the support member 115 b in the direction 203 of the length 205of the support member 115 a. FIG. 11 shows a first cross-sectional areaof the interior passage 123 along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 that comprises afirst plane perpendicular to the direction 203 of the length 205 at afirst end portion 1003 a of the support area 209 closest to the inletport 1001. As the direction of the section line 11-11 of FIG. 10 pointstowards the opposite end of the interior passage 123, the rectangularcontour of the interior surface 121 at line 11-11 as well as theprojected trapezoidal contour of the interior surface 121 at line 12-12are shown in the same figure (i.e., FIG. 11). FIG. 12 shows a secondcross-sectional area of the interior passage 123 along line 12-12 ofFIG. 12 that comprises a second plane perpendicular to the direction 203of the length 205 at a second end portion 1003 b of the support area 209farthest from the inlet port 1001. As shown, the first cross-sectionalarea of the interior passage 123 shown in FIG. 11 can be greater thanthe second cross-sectional area of the interior passage 123 shown inFIG. 12. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional areas ofthe interior passage 123 along corresponding planes perpendicular to thedirection 203 of the length 205 sequentially decrease along thedirection 203 of the length 205 from the first cross-sectional area(shown in FIG. 11) to the second cross-sectional area (shown in FIG.12). In some embodiments, as will be appreciated by FIG. 10, thecross-sectional areas of the interior passage 123 along planesperpendicular to the direction 203 of the length 205 can sequentiallydecrease at a constant rate along the direction 203 of the length 205from the first cross-sectional area (shown in FIG. 11) to the secondcross-sectional area (shown in FIG. 12).

FIG. 11 illustrates a first contour 1101 of the interior surface 121circumscribing the first cross-sectional area while FIG. 12 illustratesa second contour 1201 of the interior surface 121 circumscribing thesecond-cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, the first contour maybe geometrically similar to the second contour. For instance, the firstcontour and second contour may each comprise a square or other commonpolygonal shape of different sizes. In some embodiments, the firstcontour 1101 of the interior surface 121 may geometrically differentthan similar to the second contour 1201 of the interior surface 121circumscribing the second-cross-sectional area. Providing the firstcontour and second contour that are geometrically different canfacilitate communication of the apertures 125 with the interior passage123 in some embodiments. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, awidth of an upper segment of the interior surface 121 can besubstantially the same along the length 205 of the support area. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 11, a width 1103 of a segment 1105 of thefirst contour 1101 (e.g., a side of the illustrated rectangle) can besubstantially the same as a width 1203 of a segment 1205 of the secondcontour 1201 (e.g., the longer base of the illustrated isoscelestrapezoid) along the upper segment of the interior surface 121 incommunication with the apertures 125. Providing the upper segment of theinterior surface 121 with substantially the same width along the length205 of the support area 209 with the width 1103 of the segment 1105 ofthe first contour 1101 being substantially the same as the width 1203 ofthe segment 1205 of the second contour 1201 can facilitate communicationof the apertures 125 with the interior passage 123 along the length 205of the support area 209.

In some embodiments, the first contour 1101 can comprise a firsttrapezoidal shape and the second contour 1201 can comprise a secondtrapezoidal shape. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the firsttrapezoidal shape of the first contour 1101 can comprise a parallelogram(e.g., rectangle) and, as shown in FIG. 12, the second trapezoidal shapeof the second contour 1201 can comprise an acute trapezoid (e.g.,isosceles trapezoid) although other trapezoidal shapes can be providedfor the first contour 1101 and/or the second contour 1201. For example,in some embodiments, the first trapezoidal shape can comprise a firstisosceles trapezoid with a common angle between the sides and a longerbase and the second trapezoidal shape can comprise a second isoscelestrapezoid with a common angle between the sides and the longer base thatis less than the common angle between the sides and the longer base ofthe first isosceles trapezoid. As shown in FIG. 12, the longer base ofthe isosceles trapezoid can comprise the upper segment of the interiorsurface 121 in communication with the apertures 125 to providecommunication between the apertures and the interior passage 123.

As demonstrated by FIGS. 11-12, the support area 209 of any of theembodiments of the disclosure can comprise a portion that may besubstantially flat. Alternatively, the support area 209 and apertures125 of the support member 115 b can comprise any of the configurationsdiscussed above, for example, with respect to FIGS. 7-8 discussed above.

Methods will now be described of conveying a ribbon of materialcomprising a viscosity within a range of about 1×10⁶ poise to about1×10¹⁰ poise with the conveying apparatus 105 of any of the embodimentsdiscussed above. With reference to FIG. 1, the methods can optionallycomprise a forming apparatus 103 that produces a ribbon 107 of material.The methods can include moving the ribbon 107 of material comprising theviscosity within the range of about 1×10⁶ poise to about 1×10¹⁰ poisealong the travel path 139 in the path direction 137 that may not becoincident with the direction of gravity 108 and extends across thedirection 203 of the length 205 of each support area 209 of the one ormore support members 115 a-f. The methods can further include passinggas through the plurality of apertures 125 from the interior passage 123of the one or more support members 115 a-f to provide a correspondinggas cushion 129 between the moving ribbon 107 of material and eachsupport area 209 of the one or more support members 115 a-f. In any ofthe embodiments of the disclosure, the gas cushions 129 can space thefirst major surface 130 of the ribbon 107 from the support area 209 by aminimum gap of from about 100 microns to about 1 mm although other gapsof less than about 100 microns or greater than 1 mm may be provided infurther embodiments. In some embodiments, the gas cushions can preventcontact between the ribbon 107 and the support areas 209 as the ribbon107 travels relative to the support area 209 and as the support areas209 support a weight of the ribbon 107.

In some embodiments, the gas can be uniformly supplied through theapertures 125 such that the volumetric flow rate may be approximatelythe same at all locations along the first major surface 130 of theribbon 107 facing the support area 209. For instance, the volumetricflow rate of gas through the apertures 125 per unit length of thesupport area 209 can be substantially the same along the length 205 ofthe support area 209 to provide substantially the same pressure alongthe width 201 of the ribbon 107 to thereby help maintain the first majorsurface 130 and second major surface 132 substantially flat duringconveyance and cooling of the ribbon 107.

In some embodiments, the conveying apparatus 105 including the gascushions 129 of the one or more support members 115 a-f can reduce thetemperature of the moving ribbon 107 of material by a total temperaturereduction within a range of about 100° C. to about 150° C. As such,referring to FIG. 1, a temperature of the ribbon 107 at a location 141exiting the conveying apparatus 105 can be from about 100° C. to about150° C. less than a location 143 of the ribbon 107 entering theconveying apparatus 105. Consequently, the combined effect of theconveying apparatus 105 including the gas cushions 129 can cool theribbon faster across the conveying apparatus 105 than applications thatdo not use gas cushions to support the ribbon 107 while conveying theribbon. Faster cooling of the ribbon 107 can accommodate fasterproduction of ribbon 107 and can reduce the floor space of a largerconveying apparatus that may otherwise be employed to cool the ribbonwithout the gas cushions.

Still further, the gas cushions and arrangement and features of thesupport members can allow the major surface (first major surface 130,second major surface 132) of the moving ribbon 107 of material supportedby the one or more support members 115 a-f to comprise a flatness of 100micrometers (microns) or less. For instance, the flatness can be fromgreater than 0 to about 100 microns. Such flatness can be achieved witha wide range of ribbon dimensions, for example a portion of the ribbonwith one of a length or width having a dimension of about 155millimeters (mm) and the other of the length or width comprising adimension of about 75 mm although other sizes can be provided in furtherembodiments. In further embodiments, a sample of the ribbon can bewithin a sample size with a length or width comprising a dimension ofabout 300 mm and the other of the length or width comprising a dimensionof about 700 mm. In some embodiments, a flatness of greater than 100microns may be provided in further embodiments, for example embodimentscomprising a larger dimension of 300 mm×700 mm discussed above. Aflatness of the major surface of the ribbon can be measured by acoordinate measuring machine (CMM).

In some embodiments, the path direction 137 of the travel path 139 ofthe ribbon 107 can extend substantially perpendicular to the direction203 of the length 205 of each support area 209 of the one or moresupport members 115 a-f to help prevent bowing of the ribbon across thewidth. Moreover, tension in the ribbon caused by pulling of the ribbon107 in the path direction 137 can also prevent bowing of the ribbon 107in the direction that the ribbon 107 is traveling. In some embodiments,the path direction 137 can be substantially perpendicular to thedirection of gravity 108 to further facilitate maintenance of asubstantially flat surface of the major surface of the ribbon.Maintaining the substantially flat surface of the ribbon as the ribboncools can help prevent undesired stress characteristics from beingfrozen into the cooled glass ribbon.

Furthermore, the width 903 of the support area 209 of the one or moresupport members 115 a-f can be from about 10 millimeters (mm) to about100 mm, for example about 10 mm to about 50 mm, for example about 10 mmto about 40 mm. The widths 903 of the support area 209 discussed abovecan be sufficiently high to sufficiently support the ribbon 107 toprevent bowing across the width of the ribbon while maintaining theribbon in a substantially flat orientation as the ribbon spans betweenadjacent pairs of support members. Furthermore, the widths 903 of thesupport area 209 discussed above can be sufficiently low to allow quickcycling of gas through the gas cushion to enhance heat transfer andprevent accumulation of gas within the gas cushion that may otherwisecause bulging of the ribbon 107 out of a substantially flat orientation.

The one or more support members 115 a-f of the methods discussed abovecan comprise the support surface 127 and the interior surface 121defining the interior passage 123. The support members 115 a-f canfurther comprise the plurality of apertures 125 in fluid communicationwith the interior passage 123 and extending through the support surface127. The openings of the first plurality of apertures 125 at the supportsurface 127 can define the support area 209 of the support surface 127.As discussed above, the support area 209 can comprise the length 205,wherein the direction 203 of the length 205 extends along the flow pathof the interior passage 123. As further discussed above, the supportarea 209 can further comprise the width 903 extending in the directionperpendicular to the direction 203 of the length 205, wherein the length205 may be greater than the width 903.

In further embodiments, any of the methods of the disclosure can provideone or more of the support members as the support member 115 a discussedabove with the tube 301 extending within the interior passage 123 of thesupport member 115 a. The tube 301 can comprise the second plurality ofapertures 303 spaced along the flow direction 305 of the flow path ofthe tube 301. The gas travels along the flow path of the tube 301 fromthe inlet port 307 and then passes through the second plurality ofapertures 303 into the interior passage 123 of the support member 115 a.The gas then passes through the first plurality of apertures 125 fromthe interior passage 123 to form the gas cushion 129 between the supportarea 209 and the first major surface 130 of the ribbon 107.

Providing the support member 115 a with the tube 301 extending withinthe interior passage 123 can help provide a uniform gas flow ratethrough the apertures along the length 205 of the support area 209. Itwas observed that without the tube 301, gas escaping the aperturesfarthest from the inlet port 1001 flowed at a greater volumetric flowrate than apertures closer to the inlet port 1001. While not being boundby theory, it appears to be a result of the air stream from the inletport 1001 impacting the end of the interior passage 123 farthest fromthe inlet port 1001 causing a pressure spike that increased air flow athigher rate through the apertures farthest from the inlet port 1001compared to the air flow rate though the apertures closes to the inletport 1001. By providing the tube 301 within the interior passage 123,the air flow rate through the apertures 125 can be substantiallyconstant along the length 205 of the support area 209. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the maximum dimension (e.g. diameter 501, 503) of thesecond plurality of apertures 303 can sequentially decrease along theflow direction 305 of the flow path of the tube 301 as shown in FIG. 5.Such sequential decreasing of the dimension of the apertures can furtherincrease flow rate through the apertures 303 of the tube 301 closest tothe inlet port 307 relative to the flow rate through the apertures 303of the tube 301 farthest to the inlet port to further facilitate asubstantially constant air flow rate through the apertures 125 along thelength 205 of the support area 209. Still further, in some embodiments,the distance 601, 603 between adjacent apertures of the second pluralityof apertures 303 can sequentially increase along the flow direction 305of the flow path of the tube 301. Such sequential increasing of spacingbetween adjacent apertures can further increase the flow rate throughthe apertures of a segment of the tube closer to the inlet port 307relative to the flow rate through the apertures 303 through a segment ofthe tube farthest from the inlet port 307 to further facilitate asubstantially constant air flow rate through the apertures 125 along thelength 205 of the support area 209.

In further embodiments, any of the methods of the disclosure can provideone or more of the support members as the support member 115 b discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 10-12. In some embodiments, as discussedabove, the first cross-sectional area (see FIG. 11) of the interiorpassage 123 along the first plane perpendicular to the direction 203 ofthe length 205 at the upstream location of the flow path may be greaterthan the second cross-sectional area (see FIG. 12) of the interiorpassage along the second plane perpendicular to the direction 203 of thelength 205 at the downstream location of the flow path. As discussedabove, the cross-sectional areas of the interior passage 123 alongcorresponding planes perpendicular to the direction 203 of the length205 can sequentially decrease along the direction of the length 205 fromthe first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area. Insome embodiments, as discussed above, the cross-sectional areas cansequentially decrease at a constant rate. Providing the support member115 b with cross-sectional areas that sequentially decrease (e.g., at aconstant rate) can help provide a uniform gas flow rate through theapertures along the length 205 of the support area 209. Theabove-described issue of gas escaping at a higher flow rate throughapertures 125 farthest from the inlet port 1001 can be addressed byincreasingly restricting flow through the interior passage 123 along theflow direction 1005 of the gas within the interior passage 123 from theinlet port 1001 toward the opposite closed end of the interior passage123. Such increased restriction can be achieved by increasingly reducingthe cross-sectional area of the passage in the direction 203 from theinlet port 1001 toward the opposite closed end of the interior passagealong a section perpendicular to direction 203 of the length 205 of thesupport area 209. By providing the sequentially reduced cross-sectionalarea of the interior passage 123 along the direction 203 of the length205 of the support area 209 from the inlet port 1001, the air flow ratethrough the apertures 125 can be substantially constant along the length205 of the support area 209.

As described previously, in some embodiments, the first contour 1101 ofthe interior surface 121 circumscribing the first cross-sectional area(see FIG. 11) may not be geometrically similar to a second contour 1201of the interior surface 121 circumscribing the second cross-sectionalarea (see FIG. 12). For example, a segment 1105 of the first contour1101 and a segment 1205 of the second contour 1201 can be substantiallythe same to facilitate fluid communication between the apertures 125 andthe interior passage 123. By way of example, the first contour 1101 cancomprise a first trapezoidal shape for example the illustratedparallelogram comprising a rectangle. Furthermore, the second contour1201 can comprise a second trapezoidal shape comprising the illustratedisosceles trapezoid although acute trapezoids or other trapezoidal shapemay be provided in further embodiments. As shown, the acute trapezoid(e.g., isosceles trapezoid) comprises the longest base comprising thesegment 1205 of the second contour 1201 while a side of the rectangle ofthe first contour 1101 comprises the segment 1105 of the first contour1101. As such, the longest base of the acute trapezoid forming thesegment 1205 of the second contour 1201 can have a length that issubstantially equal to the length of the side of the rectangular formingthe segment 1105 of the first contour 1101 to allow communication of theapertures with the interior passage 123 while further providing thesecond cross-sectional area of FIG. 12 that is less than the firstcross-sectional area of FIG. 11.

Alone or in combination with any of the embodiments of the disclosure,methods can be provided with the width 903 of the support area 209within a range from about 10 millimeters (mm) to about 100 millimeters,from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 40 mm tohelp gas quickly cycle through the gas cushion 129 without undesirableaccumulation of gas that may otherwise reduce the heat transfer rateand/or cause bulging of the ribbon 107 out of a flat orientation.Bulging of the ribbon may be avoided in some embodiments to maintain asubstantially flat major surface 130, 132 of less than or equal to 100microns, thereby allowing the ribbon to set in the substantially flatorientation to reduced undesirable characteristics (e.g., stressconcentrations, optical discontinuities) that may be frozen into theglass ribbon if a bulge were allowed to exist as the ribbon cools.Furthermore, quickly cycling gas through the gas cushion 129 by use ofsupport members 115 a-f comprising the support area 209 with the width903 of from about 10 mm to about 100 millimeters, from about 10 mm toabout 50 mm, or from about 10 mm to about 40 mm can help allow enhancedheat transfer of the ribbon 107 as heated air residing within the gascushion 129 can be quickly removed from the area between the ribbon 107and the support area 209 of the support member 115 a-f.

In some embodiments, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 7-8 above, thesupport area 209 can comprise the convex surface positioned radiallyabout the axis 207 extending along the direction 203 of the length 205of the support area 209. The contour of the convex surface along theplane perpendicular to the axis 207 can extend along the radius 707, 803in the plane perpendicular to the axis within a range of about 25 mm toabout 500 mm. Providing the convex surface with the radius 707, 803within the range of about 25 mm to about 500 mm can accommodate a slightcatenary curve that may exist between adjacent support members; therebyproviding substantially the same minimum gap (e.g. selected from about100 microns to about 1 mm) at all locations across the width 903 and/orthe length 205 of the support area 209 to help adequately space theribbon 107 from touching the underlying support area 209. In addition oralternatively, providing the convex surface with the radius 707, 803within the range of about 25 mm to about 500 mm can accommodate a slightcatenary curve that may exist between adjacent support members toprovide a substantially equal pressure applied by the gas cushion at alllocations across the width 903 and/or length 205 of the support area209. The substantially constant pressure can avoid formation of stressconcentrations or other imperfections in the ribbon 107 as it cools to aglass ribbon. In some embodiments, the radius can be adjusted to matchthe viscosity of the ribbon 107 of material, weight of the ribbon 107 ofmaterial spanning between an adjacent pair of support members, and thespacing between the support areas of adjacent support members. Asviscosity of the ribbon 107 of material goes up, the support members canbe spaced further apart and the radius may comprise a wide range ofradius that may not significantly affect the flatness of the majorsurfaces 130, 132 of the ribbon 107. In further embodiments, as theviscosity of the ribbon 107 goes down, the support member may be spacedcloser together and a higher radius may help maintain the flatness ofthe major surfaces 130, 132 of the ribbon 107.

Furthermore, as discussed with respect to FIG. 9 above, a minimumdistance 905 between the support area of a first support member and thesupport area of a second support member of a pair of adjacent supportmembers can be from about 50 mm to about 500 mm. The minimum distance905 between the support areas can be adjusted to avoid being too largein a particular application that may otherwise result in a significantcatenary curve in the major surfaces of the ribbon 107 due to saggingbetween adjacent support members. Rather, the minimum distance 905 canbe small enough to facilitate maintenance of a substantially flatsurface (e.g., 100 micrometers or less) of the major surfaces 130, 132of the ribbon 107. Furthermore, the minimum distance 905 can also belarge enough to facilitate quick cycling of gas through the gas cushion129 to allow enhanced heat transfer (and associated rate of cooling)while also preventing bulging of the ribbon that may otherwise occur ifthe distance between the support members are too small. If the distancebetween the support members are too small, the support members mayeffectively act as a support table comprising the combined width of allof the support members, thereby causing bulging of the ribbon 107.

Any of the methods of the disclosure can support the ribbon such that amajor surface of the moving ribbon 107 of material supported by the oneor more support members 115 a-f comprises a flatness of 100 microns orless, or from greater than 0 microns to less than or equal to 100microns. Supporting the ribbon 107 with a flatness of 100 microns orless can allow the ribbon to transition from a viscous or viscoelasticstate to an elastic state with reduced undesirable characteristics(e.g., stress concentrations, optical discontinuities) that may befrozen into the glass ribbon if the glass were to cool from the viscousor viscoelastic state to the transition state without a flatness of 100microns or less. For purposes of this disclosure, the viscous orviscoelastic state of a material of a ribbon 107 to be cooled into aglass ribbon has a viscosity within a range of about 1×10⁶ poise toabout 1×10¹⁰ poise.

In any of the methods of the disclosure, the gas cushions of the one ormore support members can collectively reduce the temperature of themoving ribbon of material to facilitate a faster cooling of the ribbonin conditions where the ribbon may achieve a target temperature beforebeing introduced to a downstream process. For instance, at a certainvolumetric rate, a ribbon not supported by gas cushions may achieve asufficient cooling rate without the aid of the gas cushions. In someembodiments, for instance, when a ribbon has a lower viscosity ortravels at a faster rate, cooling with gas cushions that also support aweight of the ribbon can reduce the temperature and consequentlyincrease the viscosity to a predetermined level prior to beingintroduced into the downstream process.

The cooling rate provided by the gas cushions can be dependent on therate of convective heat transfer of heat from the ribbon to the cushionof gas. Furthermore, the cooling rate can also be influenced byradiative heat transfer of heat radiating from the ribbon to the one ormore support member which can also be cooled by the air flowing throughthe apertures 125. Fine tune adjusting of the cooling rate can beachieved, for example, by adjusting the fluid flow rate of fluid passingthrough the apertures 125 that feed the gas cushion. In furtherembodiments, the gas can be heated or cooled prior to passing throughthe apertures 125 to further adjust the cooling rate. Still further,adjustment of the width of the support area can impact the rate oftemperature adjustment. For instance, providing the width of the supportarea within a range of from about 10 millimeters (mm) to about 100millimeters, from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 10 mm toabout 40 mm can help reduce the residence time of the gas within the gascushion by allowing the gas to quickly escape from the area between thesupport member and the ribbon before achieving an elevated temperaturethat may not be as effective at convective heat transfer.

In some embodiments, the conveying apparatus 105 including the gascushions 129 can provide a temperature reduction of the ribbon 107 by atotal temperature reduction within a range of about 100° C. to about150° C. although other total temperature reductions may be provided infurther embodiments. In further embodiments, the support ribbon may havea temperature of about 500° C. to about 1200° C. and may cool with theconveying apparatus including the gas cushions (e.g., the collectivecooling with the one or more support members 115 a-f) by totaltemperature reduction within a range of about 100° C. to about 150° C.It will be appreciated that the viscosity of the ribbon at a particulartemperature can be dependent on the particular glass composition. Insome embodiments, the cooled glass ribbon can comprise soda lime glass,borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alumino silicate glass,alkaline alumino silicate glass, glass ceramic or other types of glass.

It should be understood that while various embodiments have beendescribed in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specificembodiments thereof, the present disclosure should not be consideredlimited to such, as numerous modifications and combinations of thedisclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of thefollowing claims.

What it claimed is:
 1. A conveying apparatus comprising: one or moresupport members comprising an interior surface defining an interiorpassage and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with theinterior passage and extending through a support surface of the supportmember, openings of the plurality of apertures at the support surfacedefine a support area of the support surface, the support area comprisesa length, a direction of the length extends along a flow path of theinterior passage, and the support area further comprises a widthextending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the length,the length is greater than the width, an inlet port positioned to directa gas stream along the flow path of the interior passage, wherein afirst cross-sectional area of the interior passage along a first planeperpendicular to the direction of the length at a first end portion ofthe support area closest to the inlet port is greater than a secondcross-sectional area of the interior passage along a second planeperpendicular to the direction of the length at a second end portion ofthe support area farthest from the inlet port.
 2. The conveyingapparatus of claim 1, wherein cross-sectional areas of the interiorpassage along corresponding planes perpendicular to the direction of thelength sequentially decrease along the direction of the length from thefirst cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area.
 3. Theconveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first contour of the interiorsurface circumscribing the first cross-sectional area is geometricallydifferent than a second contour of the interior surface circumscribingthe second cross-sectional area.
 4. The conveying apparatus of claim 3,wherein the first contour comprises a first trapezoidal shape and thesecond contour comprises a second trapezoidal shape.
 5. The conveyingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the support area comprises a convexsurface positioned radially about an axis extending along the directionof the length of the support area, and a contour of the convex surfacealong a plane perpendicular to the axis extends along a radius in theplane perpendicular to the axis.
 6. The conveying apparatus of claim 1,wherein the one or more support members comprises a pair of adjacentsupport members comprising a first support member and a second supportmember, wherein the support area of the first support member is spacedfrom the support area of the second support member by a minimum distanceof about 50 millimeters to about 500 millimeters.